Hiking & Trekking Tours & Trips in Central America
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10 best Hiking & Trekking Central America tour packages
Compiled by
NinaCentral America travel expert at TourRadar
- Trek Hidden Costa Rica
- Wild Costa Rica – Premium Adventure
- El salvador Adventure Program
- From Antigua: 2-Day Acatenango Volcano Hiking Tour with Local guide
- Acatenango volcano on Share tour 3 days/2 nights
- Active Pacaya Volcano Trek
- Gorgeous Guatemala
- Coban & Semuc Champey Tour 3-day
- Rincon de la Vieja, Short Break (On Request)
- Costa Rica Wanderreise
Duration 11 days Destinations San José, La Fortuna, San Carlos, Arenal, Quepos, Esquipulas, Corcovado National Park, Sierpe, San Gerardo de Rivas, ChirripóSee all destinations Age Range up to 80 year olds Physical Rating Easy Distance 694 mi Operator Exodus Adventure Travels From
25% Off- NZ$10,955
Santa Ana Volcano's marked trails challenge hikers with loose rocks and exposed roots. The paths through El Imposible National Park cross eight rivers and a historic gorge, ranging from 300m to 1450m elevation. Coffee plantation trails near Ataco round out the journey.
Duration 6 days Destinations San Salvador, Cerro Verde National Park, Concepcion de Ataco, Playa El Tunco Age Range 21 to 75 year olds Operated in English, Spanish Distance 110 mi Operator Inter Tours From
25% Off- NZ$1,359
From Antigua: 2-Day Acatenango Volcano Hiking Tour with Local guide
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“I am lucky to see volcano explosion.”
YUHAN, traveled in July
The path from La Soledad village leads to Acatenango's summit at 13,045ft. The 5-hour ascent includes strategic breaks and meals. An optional 3-hour round-trip reveals Fuego Volcano's activity. The final pre-dawn push culminates in panoramic sunrise views.
Duration 2 days Destinations Antigua, Acatenango Volcano Age Range 16 to 80 year olds Operated in English, Spanish Distance 20 mi Operator Marvelus Travel From
25% Off- NZ$125
The volcanic terrain from Antigua to Acatenango's summit unfolds over 3 moderate days. Guides lead the way to camp near active Fuego Volcano. Sunrise views await at the crater after camping with provided gear and altitude meals.
Duration 3 days Destinations Guatemala City, Antigua, Acatenango Volcano Age Range 12 to 65 year olds Operated in English, Spanish Physical Rating Moderate Distance 48 mi Operator GTM Tour Guide and Travel Services From
25% Off- NZ$399
Pacaya's volcanic slopes offer a moderately challenging 2-hour climb, showcasing active lava flows and views of Fuego and Acatenango volcanoes. Professional guides and transport from colonial Antigua enhance this volcanic adventure.
Duration 1 day Destinations Antigua, Pacaya National Park Age Range 15 to 80 year olds Operated in English, Spanish Physical Rating Moderate Distance 29 mi Operator Marvelus Travel From
25% Off- NZ$38
Gorgeous Guatemala
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Having a guide, who is not only part of the local community, but knowledgeable and passionate about it's history and culture, was invaluable.”
Gabrielle, traveled in March
Volcanic climbs and paddle adventures blend across Central America, from Pacaya volcano's sunset views to Lake Atitlan's waters. El Meson de Maria and Porta del Lago serve as bases for expert-guided volcano ascents and kayaking.
Duration 5 days Destinations Guatemala City, Antigua, Lake Atitlán Age Range 25 to 99 year olds Physical Rating Easy Distance 89 mi Operator Culture Trip From $2,319
5% Off- NZ$2,203You save $116
Coban & Semuc Champey Tour 3-day
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Semuc Champey was absolutely gorgeous. The caves were also pretty cool.”
Jennifer, traveled in August
El Biotopo del Quetzal's pristine paths harbor rare birds. Limestone formations at Semuc Champey and underground passages at Lanquin Caves create moderately easy hiking suitable for varied fitness levels.
Duration 3 days Destinations Antigua, Guatemala City, Coban, San Agustin Lanquin Age Range 3 to 70 year olds Operated in English, Spanish Physical Rating Moderate Distance 190 mi Operator Guatemalan Adventure From
5% Off- NZ$734
Las Pailas sector's 3.5km trail reveals Rincon de la Vieja's geysers, fumaroles, and La Oropendola Waterfall's turquoise pools. Easy-rated paths include expert guides and 4-star lodging.
Duration 3 days Destinations San Jose, Rincon de la Vieja Volcano National Park Age Range up to 99 year olds Operated in English, Spanish Physical Rating Easy Distance 203 mi Operator Destination Services Costa Rica From $1,263
15% Off- NZ$1,074You save $189
Monteverde Cloud Forest and Santa Elena Reserve showcase premier hiking trails. Volcanic paths at Arenal, Monte Alto's orchid-rich grounds, and Cahuita's coastal routes offer diverse wildlife viewing with expert naturalist guides.
Duration 16 days Destinations San Jose, Irazu Volcano National Park, Carara National Park, Monte Alto Nature Reserve, Samara, Monteverde, Arenal, La Fortuna, Sarapiquí, Cahuita Age Range up to 100 year olds Operated in Only: German Physical Rating Moderate Distance 454 mi Operator avenTOURa From
15% Off- NZ$6,496
What people love about Hiking & Trekking Tours in Central America
- Trek Hidden Costa Rica
G Adventures never disappoints!
- From Antigua: 2-Day Acatenango Volcano Hiking Tour with Local guide
The trip was okay - guides very helpful I think you should be clearer on what is needed and what is provided. For example, water is handed out, but headlamps are not (and cannot be rented either) Overall a good experience
- Coban & Semuc Champey Tour 3-day
I loved Semuc Champey! It was absolutely gorgeous. The Quetzal forest in Coban was okay. It was a pretty hike, but it was a LOT of time traveling in the car for just a couple of hours walking in the forest. It would probably be better to go in the season when there are Quetzal birds there, which I didn't know they were only there during a couple of months of the year. The caves were also pretty cool. I would have liked to fit in more activities though and had more options, such as kayaking, tubing and ziplining. One day all we did was have a really long drive and I got to see a cave for about an hour. It would have been great to have a few more activities.
What our customers ask about Hiking & Trekking Tours & Trips in Central America
What wildlife might I encounter while hiking in Central America?
The hiking trails in Central America are rich with diverse wildlife. Costa Rica's Corcovado National Park is home to more than 140 mammal species living across 13 ecosystems. Visitors regularly spot jaguars tapirs and several monkey species along the trails. The cloud forests of Nicaragua are popular spots to see the resplendent quetzal and various hummingbirds while coastal paths in Manuel Antonio offer views of marine life. As one TourRadar traveler described: "The biodiversity on our Cahuita National Park hike was amazing - we saw howler monkeys sloths toucans and even a few snakes all in one morning."
What is the best time of year for hiking in Central America?
The prime hiking season in Central America runs from December to April during the dry season. The Arenal region in Costa Rica sees its best conditions from January to March with clear volcano views and stable weather. For Guatemala's Acatenango trek November through April offers the most reliable conditions with dry trails and good visibility. Tortuguero National Park welcomes hikers year-round though July to October marks the peak turtle nesting period. One TourRadar traveler mentioned: "We had perfect weather conditions in March for both rainforest and volcano hikes."
What type of accommodation can I expect during multi-day hikes in Central America?
The accommodation options range from basic tents to well-appointed eco-lodges. Hikers on the Acatenango Volcano trek spend nights in mountain cabins or tented camps at base camp. Tours through Costa Rica's Piedras Blancas often include stays at places like the Evergreen Lodge in Tortuguero or with local families. Some unique options include overnight stays in open caves such as the Catedral de Piedra in Costa Rica known for its twin 85-foot waterfalls. A TourRadar traveler shared: "The host families spoiled us with local cuisine and the cave overnight was an unforgettable experience."
How challenging are the volcano hikes in Central America?
The difficulty of volcano hikes varies significantly across the region. The Poas Volcano in Costa Rica provides easy access to crater views. Nicaragua's Telica Volcano (1062m) presents a more demanding 6-hour climb on steep terrain. The Concepcion Volcano ranks among the most difficult requiring 10 hours of technical climbing. As one TourRadar traveler noted: "The Arenal Volcano hike was moderately challenging with amazing views - 4 hours up steep terrain but our guide set a comfortable pace."
What makes hiking in Central America unique compared to other destinations?
The region stands out for its concentrated mix of active volcanoes rainforests and coastal paths. Hikers can experience multiple ecosystems in a single day moving from Monteverde's cloud forests to the tropical beaches of Manuel Antonio. The area's exceptional biodiversity offers chances to see rare wildlife including quetzals and jaguars. A TourRadar traveler reflected: "Where else can you hike an active volcano in the morning spot monkeys in a rainforest after lunch and watch the sunset from a Pacific beach trail - all in one day?"
What unique hiking experiences are available in Central America beyond volcano treks?
The region offers varied alternatives to volcanic hikes. Nicaragua's Somoto Canyon combines trail walking with river swimming and floating. Monteverde features walks across suspended bridges through cloud forest canopies while Panama's Bocas del Toro pairs coastal trails with snorkeling spots. A TourRadar traveler shared: "The Somoto Canyon trek was a highlight - combining hiking swimming and canyoning made it an unforgettable adventure."